BURBANK, Calif.—Several adult novelty companies set up shop at the Marriot Hotel inBurbank for two trade shows that ran back-to-back, two days each.
The weekend kicked off with the ANME Show, which saw major companies, particularly those known as The Founders, showcasing new lines and products.
One of the most talked about launches was CalExotics, who added to the popular sister brand Jopen’s line, as well as the release of a line of toys created by Skid Row drummer and AVN Award nominee Phil Varone.
“WE are making a real commitment to be consumer-centric,” explained Desiree Duffie, director of public relations for CalExotics. “We are working to identify the customers for each line of products, expanding those lines that work and targeting and branding to those customers.”
The new line from Phil Varone, who conducted a meet and greet with attendees and press Saturday afternoon, features adult novelties with a rock ’n’ roll theme. Sex Stix are two G-spot vibrators that resemble drum sticks, while theAllAccessPassbullet vibe comes with a lanyard. There’s even a dong molded directly from Varone and featuring a removablePrince Albertpiercing.
New to the Jopen line four new products that are rechargeable, waterproof, virtually seamless and crafted from premium silicone. The Vr4.5, Vr5.5, Vr6.5 and Vr10.5 are updatings of some of the original 12 products in the Vanity series from Jopen.
Topco Sales also is taking a proactive approach in communication, but with retailers as opposed to end consumers. To that end, the company created a display set for retailers that showcases every in-house material used in their products, from silicone to CyberSkin and more.
Additionally, explained Director of Public Relations Erica Heathman, the company created the Topco Sales Training Tools binder for retailers, which helps in training sales staff on everything they need to know to better sell Topco products.
The binder is broken down into a Materials section, which features the components of all materials used in the industry—not just Topco products—as well as how to clean toys made from the various items and what lubes they are compatible with; Selling Sex Toys 101, which features talking points for sales staff in approaching and working with consumers; and Topco Brands and Products, which has one-line descriptions of every line Topco carries and promotes.
XGen Products also debuted new lines at the show, including the Lap Dance line of clubwear items.
“It’s not lingerie, but it will do well with stores stocking lingerie items,” said XGen Products Vice President Andy Green.
Lovehoney was also present and unveiled two new products, the Happy Rabbit and the Rock Box. The Happy Rabbit is a rechargeable, waterproof silicone vibe that offers three styles of shaft (Realistic, Natural and G-Spot). The RockBox is used by men or women, depending on the attachment chosen, designed to deliver the most powerful vibrations to where they need to be felt the most. The 5,000 rpm motor inside the Rock Box is powerful enough that it can deliver intense vibrations over clothing.
Even adult movie studios got in on the action, with Wicked Pictures and New Sensations offering up new product lines. Wicked launched the Wicked Sensual Care Colelction, which are intimate lubricants that will be available in the spring of 2012. The exclusive formulas use the highest quality ingredients crafted together to enhance and satisfy intimate adventures.
New Sensations also launched several new products under the NS Novelties brand, including vibrators, anal plugs, dildos, and more in a wide range of designs, uses, and aims.
Empowered Products also showcased a new product in the Gun Oil line of lubricants, Gun Oil Loaded, which is a hybrid cream. It’s a water-based personal lubricant blended with deluxe cream emollients and silicone to create a formula that’s both light and long lasting.
Several of the companies at ANME stayed on Monday and Tuesday for the XBiz Retail Show, and those who left were replaced by a handful of new exhibitors.
SOS Novelties debuted at the show, with a line of massage candles that feature aloe vera oil, shea butter oil, apricot oil, soy oil, coconut oil, vitamin E oil and jojoba oil.
New company RodeoH also exhibited Monday and Tuesday with their product which is a new way to strap on. Rather than a traditional harness design, RodeoH slips on like a pair of underwear that can be worn all day. No time is wasted in buckling and fastening.
In addition to the widely publicized trade shows at the Marriot, some companies set up shop nearby to show off their wares and meet with distributors and retailers. Icon Brands and Glow Industries, makers of the popular Don Wands line of glass dildos, were in a nearby building and showed off several new products. Coming soon from Icon Brands are two new BookSmart items: an anal themed kit and a kit for men. BookSmart uses ingenious packaging to hide a variety of toys inside. The packaging looks like any normal book and can be hidden in plain sight on any bookshelf.
The company also plans to release a smaller version of the popular Jackboot Paddle so it can be used for over-the-knee spankings.
Also coming soon are the Vibrating Pleasure Pets in the shape of a teddy bear, kitty and bunny; new anal toys in the Impressions line; and bullets in the Je T’aime line of products.
